Orthodox Reform [United States]
April 23, 2007
http://orthodoxreform.org/letters-to-the-editor/metropoulos-defrock-fr-katinas/
Editor's note: Catherine Metropoulos has served on the GOA's Clergy Sexual Misconduct Advisory Board for the last four years (click on image at right to view the Board's announcement). Her report that "most of our Board's work has been tabled or stifled" due to factors including "…a total lack of interest on part of our hierarchy" is very troubling — why do the Bishops not take this matter seriously?
Letter to the Editor of Orthodox Reform:
"THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE CANNOT IGNORE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO DEFROCK FATHER NICHOLAS KATINAS!"
April 20, 2007
Even though a thorough investigation by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese has proven that there was in fact, very serious sexual misconduct committed by Father Nicholas Katinas against children, it is my understanding that the Archdiocese is now refusing to defrock him. It is a disgrace and an embarrassment to our Church, as well as an insult to his victims, if Father Katinas is allowed to remain on an indefinite suspension and is not subsequently defrocked.
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Clergy sexual misconduct, especially when those victimized are children, is a very serious offense unlike no other. How our Spiritual Leaders respond to these matters is of extreme importance. It is especially detrimental to the future of our Church if appropriate actions are not taken when these issues arise.
I have no doubt that Father Katinas was a good priest, had a wondrous ministry, and is loved by many; he would not have been able to commit such heinous crimes against children otherwise! Father Katinas, however, is not above the law. His culpable, despicable actions against children are inexcusable. He abused his sacred position of trust. He inflicted tremendous pain upon his innocent victims; who for them the affects of sexual abuse will never go away. He severely tainted the reputation of our beloved Greek Orthodox Church and that of our clergy.
If Father Katinas is indeed repentant and remorseful as I have read (National Herald 3-24-07), and if he truly cares about the future of his Church, then he, himself, will demand that he be defrocked immediately!
Four years ago I accepted an appointment by his Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, to serve as a member of the Archdioceses' newly formed Clergy Sexual Misconduct Advisory Board. It appeared then that our Spiritual Leaders were fully committed in taking a firm, proactive stance and truly understood the sense of urgency surrounding the seriousness of clergy sexual misconduct within our Church.
During my tenure I represented my Church with the utmost confidentiality, extreme professionalism, and immense devotion. It was my hope that through this appointment I would be able to help effect change by heightening awareness, and to ensure that preventative procedures, policies, and appropriate responses were developed and enacted.
Unfortunately, due to many baffling and frustrating factors such as the replacement of our Chairman to the Board on three separate occasions, infrequency of meetings, an absence of open communication, and what appears to be a total lack of interest on part of our hierarchy, most of our Board's work has been tabled or stifled. The Archdiocese needs to revitalize their commitment to this very serious issue of sexual misconduct within our Church. No one, however, can question the commitment, devotion, or professionalism of the members on the Advisory Board. Last summer I asked His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, personally that he re-assign the current members of the Board to another term. I continue to wait for a reply. There clearly is much to discuss.
In support of Bishop Savas, Chancellor to the Archbishop, and Father Michael Kontogiorgis, who both also serve as Resource Persons on the Advisory Board, thorough and proper investigations of cases involving sexual misconduct do take time and can be very difficult and emotional. They do not have an easy job. Through my interactions with the Archdiocese I have found both of these men to be quite sincere, honest, and genuinely concerned and committed. I commend their work, especially in the Katinas case.
Prevention and education are essential. It is the duty of our Spiritual Leaders and all of us to do everything possible to protect our children! We must demand zero tolerance at all times within our church!
It is my hope that the Archdiocese will insist that Father Katinas be defrocked immediately.
Christos Anesti!
Catherine Metropoulos
Charlotte, Vermont
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